Tributes have been paid to a popular councillor, shopkeeper and magistrate from Coventry.

Alison Gingell was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year and died on Sunday night with her family by her side.

The 65-year-old was elected as a Labour representative to Sherbourne ward in 2012 and was portfolio holder for health and adult services from May 2013.

Coun Gingell first arrived in the city as an undergraduate student at the University of Warwick, became a magistrate in 1979 and was chairman of Coventry Primary Care Trust from 2002 until 2013.

She also opened the plus-size clothing shop Woman at Large in the late 1980s.

A spokesperson for Coventry City Council said: “We heard the tragic news that Alison Gingell died peacefully in her sleep, and send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to her husband Bob and the rest of Alison’s family, who were with her when she passed away.

“Alison, who was just 65 years of age, will be deeply missed by friends and colleagues and had been poorly for some time after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

“Many of you will know that she went on to be a tireless leader in the field of health and social care, most recently leading the city’s campaign against female genital mutilation.”

Despite her busy public life, Alison had a particular fondness for Italy where she regularly visited on holiday.

She was also delighted to have been able to have spent time with her latest granddaughter Edith.

Coventry City Council leader Ann Lucas said: “This is a very sad day.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Alison, who was a lovely and caring women who has been taken from us far too soon.

“I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Alison for a number of years; she was a dear friend who I will miss very much.

“I know when she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease that she dealt with the news with a calm resolve.

Alison Gingell

“Alison has been at the forefront of health and social care in the city and Warwickshire and I will forever be grateful for all she has done.

“She was a wonderful lady and I know that many colleagues who have worked with her over the past years will wholeheartedly agree.”

Coun Steven Thomas, who was elected on the same day as Coun Gingel,l has paid his own tribute to a ‘lovely friend’.

He said: “She was a lovely, kind, generous, warm friend. I don’t think there is anyone that will have anything bad to say about her.

“Before I even started working with her, I knew of her great reputation for the great job she did.

“I’m shocked and stunned that we have lost her. Motor Neurone Disease is a devastating illness and it has robbed us and the city of someone who will be missed so much.”

Alison’s funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced in the coming days.